An almost weekly update of environmental news, particularly marine updates, with occasional splatters of transportation, indigenous, ideas of sustainability and sustainable development from around the world.

25.1.07

Indonesia To Auction Permits To Log Old Forests?

Jan 25 2007 (TODAY)

JAKARTA - Environmental watchdog Greenpeace yesterday protested theIndonesian government's plans to auction permits to log old forests inBorneo and Papua, home to a rich variety of plant and animal life.

Within two weeks, forest lands in 16 locations - including Papua,Kalimantan on Borneo island and on the islands of Sulawesi, Maluku andSumatra - will be offered for bids.

"More than one million hec-tares of forest lands, or twice the size ofBali, will be offered on the chopping block.

"Instead of taking drastic measures to reverse the destruction of ourremaining forests, the forest ministry is hell-bent on issuing new permitsto the highest bidders," Greenpeace South-east Asia campaigner Hapsorosaid in a statement.

Indonesia loses about 2.8 million ha of forests each year - among thehighest rates in the world.

Experts say deforestation reduces the capacity of the ecosystem toregulate the water and also leads to soil erosion and landslides.

Indonesia had lost more than 72 per cent of its intact ancient forestareas, according to Greenpeace.

Kalimantan and Papua have some of the last areas of Indonesian rainforestand are home to a rich variety of plant and animal life, with newdiscoveries being made on an almost monthly basis. - AFP